As part of San José Mineta International Airport’s 75th anniversary, I conceptualized and designed a character-driven campaign that reimagined the airport’s history and grew into one of SJC’s most recognizable brand elements. Drawing from the airport’s 1949 opening, when its first commercial flight carried 2,550 baby chickens, I developed the idea of bringing this story to life through a cast of illustrated chick characters. I designed all campaign signage and fully illustrated each character, shaping their personalities and visual style. Led by Ernie, named after Ernest H. Renzel Jr., the characters quickly resonated with travelers, with Ernie ultimately becoming the official airport mascot. What began as a one-year anniversary campaign evolved into a lasting and recognizable symbol of SJC.
